Clinical Entrepreneur Programme 2026-2031

NHS CEP is a free workforce development programme which support NHS staff turn their most innovative ideas into solutions, to help meet NHS need by providing training and mentoring alongside the commercial skills, experience, and knowledge to bring innovations to market. For continued delivery of the programme in 2026.

This programme meets the need stated in the NHS Ten Year Plan which specifically references NHS CEP and PEP underlining their strategic value and the need for future expansion to support the evolving NHS workforce.

In addition the UK Life Sciences Sector Plan outlines a key objective to develop a training and skills system that supports a diverse and highly skilled life sciences workforce. The tender is for an enhanced programme which will contribute directly to this aim through a cohesive and comprehensive programme to include intellectual property learning sessions, 6 week pilot sessions, industry away days, intellectual property clinics, CPD accreditation, additional support to the Alumni network, enhanced mentoring and coaching, delivered via regular training sessions ‘Pit Stops’.

The contract will be for a three year period with the option to extend for a further two years. This period will ensure continuity of delivery during organisational change, as NHSE integrates with DHSC. The programme meets DHSC innovation strategy. The new supplier will deliver the programme from 1st April 2026 supporting the long-term development of entrepreneurial capability within the NHS and the broader healthcare innovation ecosystem.